Introduction

Privacy protection, legal protection, and computer security are key concerns for libraries. It is important that Public PCs contain security features designed to detect when users have left the station but forgotten to log out and ensure that all their personal files and information are automatically cleared from the station to protect the user's privacy.

Patron Use Management and Policies

Libraries need to control the time that patrons have access to computers to insure that all users get a fair chance to utilize these services. Some libraries may still used manual methods to do this, but many automated systems exist. For exampe, pc management system like Envisionware's PCres (for windows systems) make this possible. Free and OSS options are available for both GNU/Linux and Windows. Most of these packages will include a click-through Acceptable Use Policy to ensures that all Patrons agree to the library's terms of use.

Filtering

Filtering is a contentious issue and is required for E-rate by CIPA. Internet filters can limit end user's exposure to undesirable content, but widely seen as inefective. There are numerous opensource web-filtering programs out there.

Securing Public Access Computers(PACs)

GNU/Linux

DIY

GNU/Linux machine are more secure in their design, and some GNU/Linux distributions will work as they are.